Chennai: DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin, was arrested from his Chennai residence on Tuesday in connection with alleged remarks involving actor Trisha, escalating an already charged political confrontation in the state.

The arrest stems from an FIR registered over comments allegedly made by Udhayanidhi during a recent rally centred on the Cauvery water dispute. The remarks drew sharp criticism from rival parties, prompting police complaints and representations before the National Commission for Women.

Visuals from outside his residence showed Udhayanidhi smiling and waving to supporters as police escorted him into custody. Before leaving, he dismissed the action as politically motivated.

Calling the arrest "a joke", Udhayanidhi said he would challenge the case through legal means.

The DMK condemned the arrest, accusing the government of using law enforcement to target opposition leaders. Senior party leaders described the move as an act of "political vendetta" and alleged that false cases were being used to intimidate political opponents.

The controversy erupted after slogans referring to actor Trisha were raised during Udhayanidhi's speech. His subsequent remarks sparked allegations of being offensive, although he later maintained they were being misinterpreted in the context of the Cauvery issue. The episode has since become the latest flashpoint in Tamil Nadu's increasingly combative political landscape

The arrest is expected to intensify the political confrontation between the ruling establishment and the DMK, with legal proceedings likely to continue in the coming days.

Source: TOI